Astronomy buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the universe will have three opportunities through three classes this summer at Northwestern Michigan College.

Michael Foerster, an astronomer and Solar System Ambassador with NASA's Jet Propulsion lab, will teach the classes at NMC.

The first, a one-night course titled “Welcome to the Universe,” is scheduled for Friday, July 27 and again Saturday, Aug. 25. The July 27 class is for students ages 9-11. The Aug. 25 class is for those 12 and older. Both sessions will be held from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Rogers Observatory on Birmley Road in Traverse City. The cost is $29 per parent/child pair.

Foerster will also teach a course – “Are We Alone? The Search for Life in the Universe” – on Thursday, Aug. 23, from 6:30-9 p.m. in Scholar’s Hall on the NMC main campus. The cost for the course, which is designed for adults, is $35.

Foerster will also give a lecture at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 22, at NMC’s Oleson Center on the topic of Mars. A luncheon will include burgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. The cost to attend is $17 with the lunch buffet, or $8 for those who bring their own lunch.